Ohio National Guard JJHuddle Division I Football Power Poll: Preseason Rankings

The Power Polls…are back. JJHuddle’s immensely popular state football
rankings continue today with the release of the Division I preseason poll. Also this year, JJHuddle is proud to announce that the Ohio National Guard is again the presenting sponsor of the rankings. Now…who is No. 1?

2013 Ohio HS Football Preview

Sponsored By…

OHIO NATIONAL GUARD & JJH POWER POLL

DIVISION I PRESEASON RANKINGS

The Power Polls…are back. JJHuddle’s immensely popular state football
rankings continue today with the release of the Division I preseason poll.
Also this year, JJHuddle is proud to announce that the Ohio National Guard is again the presenting sponsor of the rankings.

New polls will be unveiled on site every week during the regular season. Poll champions will be crwoned after Week 10.

Top 10

1. St. Edward (11-1, Region 1 semifinalist) Outlook: The Eagles have made the playoffs 11 times in 13 years and will make it
12 in 14. As usual, St. Ed features a sizeable OL led by seniors Jake
Pruehs (6-3, 280/Ohio commit), Danny McManamon (6-2, 245), Jackson Kirby
(6-4, 290), Ben Gaal (6-3, 278) and Gage Blair (6-2, 260). That group
will open holes for junior RB Andrew Dowell (6-1, 197) who holds offers
from Toledo and Kent State. Junior WR David Dowell (6-1, 185) also has
offers from Toledo and Kent State. On defense, the Eagles feature one
of the state’s top juniors in DB Shaun Crawford (5-9, 170) who has
offers from Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida State, Penn State, Miami,
Michigan State, Illinois, Cincinnati, Iowa, Michigan, Northwestern and
West Virginia. Senior DL Tyler King (6-3, 260) has offers from several
MAC schools. In the secondary, senior Jack Walz III (6-0, 195) has
committed to Bowling Green and Derrick Thomas (5-8, 165) holds offers
from Youngstown State and Tiffin. Up Next: 8/31 vs GlenvillePrevious: —

2. St. Xavier (6-5, Region 4 quarterfinalist)Outlook: The Bombers had to replace nine All-GCL performers last year and entered the season
with some unknowns. This year X has to replace seven all-league
players, but it brings back more answers than questions. Senior QB Nick
Tensing (6-4, 200) was first team All-GCL last year and spearheads on
offense that also features all-league performers at RB (CJ Hilliard), WR
(Ryan Frey) and OL (Rick Kurz). Tensing threw for 1,908 yards and 17
TDs last year, while Hilliard (5-11, 185), who has committed to Iowa,
ran for 626 yards and nine TDs. Frey (6-1, 185) caught 29 passes for 496
yards and five TDs. Kurz (6-2, 260) anchors the line. On defense, the
Bombers return first team All-GCL senior DL Nick Carovillano (6-4, 230)
who owns offers from Boston College, Miami (Oh.), Akron and Buffalo.
Also back is a pair of standout juniors in LB Justin Hilliard (6-2, 210)
and DE Simeon Lane (6-2, 290). Hilliard owns over 20 offers including
Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas A&M.
Illinois has offered Lane. Junior LB Cole Jones (6-0, 210) is the team’s
top returning tackler (65). The schedule includes five Ohio teams
(Colerain, Moeller, Elder, LaSalle and St. Ignatius) and five
out-of-state schools. Up Next: 8/30 vs Ben Davis (Ind.)Previous: —

3. Moeller (12-3, Division I State Champions)Outlook: The Crusaders celebrated “50 Years of Moeller Football” last season by
winning the program’s eighth state title and first in 27 years. To
repeat they’ll have to replace 13 All-GCL players. Ouch. The good news
is Moe has some horses coming back. Senior LB Sam Hubbard (6-6, 215) had
75 tackles, two INTs and two fumble recoveries last season and has
committed to Ohio State. Senior DL Chalmer Frueauf (6-4, 240/80 tackles)
owns offers from Kent State, Ohio and Bowling Green, while junior DL
Elijah Taylor (6-3, 250) has offers from Ohio and West Virginia. Senior
OL Stephen Langenkamp (6-3, 265) has an offer from Ohio. Expect senior
QB/WR Gus Ragland (6-2, 200) to play
a large role in the offense. Last year he caught 38 passes for 414
yards and five TDs and ran for four TDs. The schedule includes four Ohio
teams (St. Xavier, Elder, LaSalle and St. Edward), three Kentucky teams
(Covington Catholic, Louisville St. Xavier and Louisville Trinity), two
Indiana teams (Pike, Indianapolis Cathedral) and a Canadian squad (St.
Michael’s College).Up Next: 8/30 vs Pike (Ind.)Previous: —

6. Mentor (12-2, Region 1 Champion)Outlook: The Cardinals made the state semifinals for the third time in seven
years last season before falling to Whitmer. The big task this season
for head coach Steve Trivisonno (134-53 in 16 years) is replacing Mr. Football winner and North Carolina recruit
Mitch Trubisky at QB. Although the task is steep, expect Mentor to be
just fine. The Cardinals return 15 starters, including senior Conner
Krizancic (6-2, 200) who is expected to shift from his WR position to
under center. Krizancic, a JJHuddle Top 100 prospect and Cincinnati
commit, was a QB in junior high and as a freshman. He’s scored 32 TDs
the last two years (22 receiving, 10 rushing). Senior WR Brandon Fritts
(6-4, 190) is coming off a season in which he caught 67 passes for 1,188
yards and 16 TDs. Fritts, a JJHuddle Top 100 prospect, has committed to
North Carolina. Other key skill players include senior WR Corey Plavcin
(5’10, 175/36 receptions, 598 yards, three TDs) and junior RB Eddie
Daugherty (5-8, 150/57 carries, 362 yards, two TDs). Four of five
starters return on the OL. Senior K Mike Muzic (6-0, 180/61 PATs, 7-of-7
FGS) is also back. On defense, Mentor has another JJHuddle Top 100
player in senior DE Kent Berger (6-4, 245) who has committed to Ohio.
Berger had 86 tackles, nine sacks and seven TFL last season. Other key
defensive faces are senior LB Justin McMahon (6-0, 210), senior DE
Delvon Maddox (6-3, 215) and senior DB Kiyah Powell (5-9, 160). McMahon
led Mentor in tackles last year with 154. The schedule has a “great” home slate according to Trivisonno that includes McDowell (Pa.), St. Ignatius, Shaker Heights, Brunswick and Hudson. The Cards play three straight road games in weeks 3-5. “We’re looking forward to great things in 2013,” Trivisonno said. “We have a very deep football team.”Up Next: 8/30 vs McDowell (Pa.)Previous: —

7. Canton McKinley (8-3, Region 2 semifinalist)Outlook: The Bulldogs feature one of the state’s top junior prospects in QB Eric
Glover-Williams (5-11, 165) who holds offers from Ohio State, Nebraska,
Illinois, Michigan State, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas and West
Virginia. Last season,
Glover-Williams ran for 1,574 yards and 22 TDs and threw for 1,114 yards
and 12 TDs. The defense is led by senior LB Jamal Davis II (6-2, 210)
who holds offers from Louisville, Indiana, Minnesota and several MAC schools. A three-year starter, Davis has 134 career tackles, including 14 TFL and five sacks. Up Next: 8/30 vs Akron BuchtelPrevious: —

9. Toledo Whitmer (14-1, Division I State Runner-Up)Outlook: The Panthers are 39-4 the last three seasons, each of which has
produced a regional title. There are numerous holes to fill, but talent
remains. Senior DB Marcus Elliott (6-1, 183) holds offers from Bowling
Green, Akron, Kent State and Ball State, while senior WR Chris Boykin
(6-4, 190) has offers from Kent State and Bufalo. Senior K Michael
Baldwin (5-10, 160) is one of Ohio’s best.Up Next: 8/30 @ PerrysburgPrevious: —

10. Huber Heights Wayne (7-4, Region 4 quarterfinalist)Outlook: The Warriors made the playoffs for the 10th time in 14 years and look
primed to reach Week 11 again. Head coach Jay Minton (178-70 career
record) welcomes back eight starters on defense including Kentucky
commit Dorian Hendrix (6-1, 220) at LB. Also back are a pair of standout
DBs in senior Jordan Whitfield (6-1, 182) and junior Tyree Kinnel (6-1,
185/Kentucky and Arkansas offers). Junior DL Robert Landers (6-0, 260)
is one to watch. On offense, junior D’Metrik Trice (6-0, 165) takes
over at QB after throwing for 379 yards and three TDs in a back-up role
last season. Senior RB Trey McFadden (5-9, 200) returns after rushing
for 617 yards and seven TDs, as does senior WR Tristan Davis (5-11, 175)
who caught 37 passes for 425 yards and three TDs. Junior athlete Devin
Reed (6-1, 178) is a threat anywhere on the field (15 receptions, 275
yards, three TDs). The Warriors have their first home opener in 12 years
when they host Gahanna Lincoln in Week 1. After that Wayne plays at
Trotwood-Madison before hosting Lakota West in Week 3. In GWOC Central
Division play, the Warriors host Centerville and Northmont in weeks 8
and 10, respectively.Up Next: 8/30 vs Gahanna LincolnPrevious: —

Under Consideration (Alphabetical Order)

Elder (8-4, Region 4 semifinalist)Outlook: The Panthers snapped a two-year playoff drought by rebounding from a 2-2 start to win five of six to close the regular
season. An OT loss to Colerain ended the run. Elder has high
expectations and for good reason. One of which is senior RB Chris
Schroer. A first team All-GCL selection, Schroer (6-0, 215) ran for
1,491 yards and 25 TDs last year. Senior TE Devin Pike (6-6, 225/28
receptions, 310 yards) holds offers from Illinois, Boston College,
Lousiville, Virginia, Minnesota and several MAC schools. On defense,
Edler features a pair of returning All-GCL senior DBs in Tony Mazza
(6-0, 180/55 tackles) and Tom Autenrieb (5-11, 170/29 tackles). First
team All-GCL DL Carl Lengerich (5-11, 230, sr./34 tackles, 4.5 sacks) is
back too. The schedule includes Middletown, Upper Arlington, St.
Edward, St. Xavier, Moeller and Winton Woods.Opener: 8/30 vs Middletown

Northmont (7-3)Outlook: After missing the playoffs three years in a row, T-Bolts Head Coach
Lance Schneider set out to change the culture last year. It worked.
Northmont missed the playoffs again, but did capture a share of the GWOC
Central Division title and made the program “relevant again in the school
and community” according to Schneider. Can they keep the momentum
going? The roster is loaded. Senior DE Terry Ramsey (6-5, 225) has
offers from Indiana, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan State, Minnesota,
Nebraska and West Virginia, while senior DB Josh Blanton (5-11, 170)
owns an offer from Miami (Oh.). Additional key defenders are senior DBs
Isaiah Williams (6-4, 195/four INTs, three fumble recoveries), D.J.
Hickman (5-11, 160/five INTs) and Zach Weatherford (6-0, 175/18
tackles). Senior DE Kenny Coleman Jr. (6-3, 240) is a transfer from
Dublin Scioto that’s expected to
make an impact. Another transfer of note is senior LB Dante Bland (6-2,
270) who returns after a year at Jefferson Township where he had 108
tackles, 14 TFL, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and 11 TDs.
On offense, the WR corps includes senior Cameron Taylor (6-1, 153) and
Williams (54 repections, 719 yards and three TDs). Senior QB Graham
Oberer (6-4, 203) steps in at QB. Junior OL Josh Perry (6-3, 260) holds
an offer from Toledo. Keep any eye on junior TE Jonte Brski (6-2, 245)
and sophomore OL Nick Moore (6-1, 240). The schedule opens with newcomer
Dayton Thurgood Marshall followed by Westerville South and Lakota East
(both losses last year).Opener: 8/30 @ Thurgood Marshall

Lakota East (8-4, Region 4 semifinalist)Outlook: Despite a two-game slide midseason, the Thunderhawks rebounded to earn
the program’s first ever playoff berth and win. Gone from that squad are
eight All-GMC players. Senior OL Jarrett LaRubbio (6-5, 280) had over
20 offers before committing to Kentucky. He’ll block for senior QB Eric
Eichler (6-2, 200) who ran for 644 yards and 12 TDs and threw for 703
yards and 10 TDs. Also back is senior WR Nate Mays (5-11, 160) who had
team highs in receptions (12), yards (185) and receiving TDs (five) last
year. Senior RB Bobby Brown (6-0, 196) will assume the bulk of the
rushing attempts after running for 435 yards and two TDs last year. He
also caught three TD passes and owns an offer from Kent State. Opener: 8/30 vs Western Hills

Lakota West (8-2)Outlook: The Firebirds won their first eight games last season, but closed with a pair of 12-point losses
to Colerain and Lakota East that kept them out of the playoffs. A bad
taste lingers, but so does a ton of talent. Senior QB Malik Grove (5-11,
170) and senior RB Mikel Horton (6-1, 225) were both first team
All-Greater Miami Conference last year. Grove threw for 1,163 yards and
11 TDs and ran for 555 yards and 11 TDs last year. Horton, a JJHuddle
Top 100 prospect that ran for 1,003 yards and 13 TDs last season, has
committed to Kentucky. He also had offers from Florida State,
Louisville, Minnesota, Indiana, Purdue and Cincinnati.
The senior WR corps of Tyler Jones (6-1, 175/18 receptions, 256 yards,
two TDs) and Jarin Higginbotham (6-2, 180/17 receptions, 216 yards, two
TDs) is a lethal one. Senior OL Landon Johnson (5-11, 245) anchors the
line. Senior K Justin Martin (6-4, 215) is an All-GWOC performer. He
hit nine-of-12 FGs last year. Watch out for junior LB C.J. Stalker (6-2, 210). Opener: 8/30 vs Winton Woods

Pickerington Central (7-3, Region 3 quarterfinalist)Outlook: The Tigers had a rare down year for a program
that is use to playing for regional championships over the past decade,
but that down year still resulted in a trip to week 11. PC had to
replace a plethora of players on both sides of the ball from their 2011
team, which finished state runner-up in Division I. In 2012, the Tigers
found a way to win seven games, which included two improbable victories
over Reynoldsburg and Gahanna Lincoln. However, PC did fall victim to
city rival Pickerington North for the first time in school history and
what made matters worse, they lost to the Panthers twice by a combine
score of 61-0. Though, Central did manage to earn a share of the OCC
Ohio championship when Pickerington North lost to Grove City in week 10.
The Purple and White return plenty from last year’s playoff team
starting with three offensive linemen. Brendan Dudziak (6’6/270/Sr.),
Josh Clouse (5’10/190/Sr.), and Tyler Boyd (5’11/270/Sr.) all started up
front for the Tigers a season ago. Senior quarterback Colby Simkins
(5’10/190) returns for his second season under center, while running
back Tawain Gordon (6’0/190/Sr.) should have a breakout season after
splitting time as a junior. Central welcomes back two of the better
receivers in Central Ohio in junior Eric Marshall (5’10/170) and senior
Andrew Meyer (6’1/190). Meyer was hampered by injuries throughout his
junior season. Tight end Cris Reyes (5’11/195/Sr.) returns as well. On
defense, the Tigers will be stout once again. Linebackers senior Isaiah
Richmond (6’0/220), junior linebacker Clay Burk (5’11/195), senior
Jae’Sean Tate (6’4/215), and junior Clayton Glasco (6’2/215) should be a
force. Tate is an Ohio State verbal for basketball, but owns several D1
football offers as well. Keith Roberts (5’10/200/Sr.) and DaVon
Hamilton (6’3/285/So.) will hold down the defensive line, which was very
undersized a year ago. Seniors Vinnie Allen (5’9/170), Jordan
Piecczynski (5’8/180), and Rudy Stefanitsis (6’1/190) along with
Marshall return in the secondary. In addition, keep an eye on sophomore
Seth Currens (6’3/185), who dressed varsity as a freshman. Another solid
weapon for the Tigers will be sophomore kicker Devon McMillin
(6’1/175), who made some key extra points as a freshman. Pickerington
Central will replace opening week games with Cincinnati Colerain and
Columbus Marion-Franklin with heavyweights Centerville and Middletown.
The Tigers will have a bye week (2) between the two Southwest Ohio
opponents. “Our two non-league games have even a bigger impact on our
season with the modification to the Division I regional assignments,” head coach
Jay Sharrett believes. “Level two points are more critical due to
splitting level two points once a team enters conference play.”
Sharrett, who is (101-21) in his 10 years as the Tigers’ boss, believes
he has close to 12 potential Division 1 prospects on his team. Meyer
owns an offer from Ohio University.Opener: 8/30 @ Centerville

Pickerington North (12-2, Region 3 Champion)Outlook: The Panthers had a historical run last year. Pick North beat Pick
Central for the first time ever (during the regular season_ and then did
it again (in the playoffs) en route to the school’s first regional
title. Graduation took its toll, but talent lingers. Senior LB Dylan
Weigel (6-0, 205) returns after leading the team in tackles last season
(74 tackles, 12 TFL). The offense will be led by senior QB Zephaniah
Miller (6-0, 180) who accounted for 10 TDs last season.Opener: 8/30 vs St. Charles

Sycamore (9-2, Region 4 quarterfinalist)Outlook: The Aviators made a second straight trip to the postseason and should
challenge this year to run that to a school-record three straight.
Sycamore needs to replace nine All-GMC performers, but last year they
had to replace eight. The parts coming back are big. Senior QB Greg
Simpson (5-9, 185), the reigning GMC Offensive Player of the Year,
returns after running for 1,915 yards and 28 TDs and throwing for 1,024
yards and 13 TDs. Simpson also punts (35.2 yard average). Three All-GMC
offensive lineman return in seniors Jake Barnhorst (6-4, 230) and Max
Engelhart (6-1, 285) and junior Mat Severence (6-0, 260). On defense,
senior LB Tinashe Bere (6-2, 230) is a first team All-GMC player that’s
committed to Duke. He headlines a unit that also features DL Cayden
Richter (sr., 6-5, 240), DL Todd Lewis (sr., 6-1, 230/All-GMC) and DB
Jamar Hunter (sr., 5-10, 160).Opener: 8/29 vs Walnut Hills

Solon (5-5)Outlook: The Comets missed the playoffs for just the second time in 14 years last season
and had a string of three straight Northeast Ohio Conference
championships snapped. Time to make amends. Offensively, Solon is strong
up front. The Comets return four of five OL starters in seniors Ben
Emery (6-1, 267), Desmond Holmes (6-2, 265) and Matt Meyer (6-0, 240)
and junior Gage Golic (6-2, 225). Senior Nick Spitaleri (6-0, 250), who
started at C as a sophomore, also returns after missing last year with
injury. Junior TE Tyree Seals (6-0, 205) is back too. The quarterback position
will feature juniors Ryan Gallagher (6-0, 177) and Matt Laubscher
(5-11, 180). Gallagher started five games last year (601 and eight TDs),
while Laubscher started one (84 yards and a TD). Developing WRs is an
immediate concern. On defense Solon returns six starters, including
junior LB John Sensibaugh (5-11, 185) who had 129 tackles and 17 TFL
last year. Also returning are sophomore defensive tackle Ben Peterson
(6-0, 260/23 tackles), senior DE Brandon Reynolds
(6-4, 215/35 tackles, 18 TFL) and three of four defensive backs in
seniors Brandon Boyd (5-10, 178/39 tackles), Kollyn Crenshaw (5-8,
150/32 tackles) and Antwain Hamilton (5-9, 165/435 tackles). Head coach
Jim McQuaide is 89-27 in 10 years at Solon and 165-89 overall. The
schedule starts off with tests against Kenston and Glenville.Opener: 8/30 @ Kenston

Westerville Central (7-3)Outlook: After making the program’s first postseason appearance
in 2011, the Warhawks narrowly missed out on a return trip – finishing
ninth in Region 3. A 7-3 record, however, did net the program’s first
back-to-back winning seasons in its 10-year history. WC should stretch
that to three. Led by longtime head coach John Magistro, who won his 200th career
game last year, the Warhawks have several reasons for optimism. “We
feel we have our program heading in the right direction and our kids
have bought into the work ethic that we demand,” Magistro said. “We are
approaching this season with the idea that we can win every game with the right approach.” Headlining the roster is senior OL/DL Nick Richardson, a JJHuddle 2014 Top 100 prospect. Richardson (6-5, 291) holds offers from over 15 schools,
including Michigan State, Maryland, Mississippi, Minnesota, Vanderbilt,
West Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. Senior Jared Drake (6-1,
205) returns at QB where he accounted for 28 TDs and over 2,500 yards
last year. Senior TE Jeremiah Shaw (6-3, 195) is a three-year starter
and senior RB Alex Fisher (5-9, 212) is back after gaining 734 yards. On
defense, senior LB Adam Lowe (5-8, 195) led the team in tackles (84)
and sacks (10) last year. The wildcard? Senior FB/LB Jordan Bratton
(6-2, 245), a three-year starter who was injured most of last year. The
schedule includes three newcomers in DeSales, Independence and Canal
Winchester. Said Magistro: “Our division in the OCC is as good as it
gets.” Opener: 8/30 vs Columbus DeSales

Westerville South (8-3, Region 3 quarterfinalist)Outlook: The Wildcats made the program’s 10th postseason appearance last season
and would like to add No. 11. South features two JJHuddle 2014 Top 100
prospects in senior WR Torrodd Carter (6-2, 180/Offers from Ohio, Miami,
Akron and Marshall) and senior TE Darryl Long (6-5, 220/Kentucky
commit). Also back is DB Tim Bates (6-3, 190) who had 45 tackles and
eight INTs last year. Bates also expects to fill in at QB for Nick
Renzetti (the Ohio National Guard Ohio Player of the Year). Junior OL
Rob Dowdy (6-7, 240) is among the state’s top 2015 prospects. He has
offers from Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, West Virginia, Georgia Tech and
Arkansas. Opener: 8/30 vs Groveport-Madison